I had a bit of a setback this week. I injured, myself quite ridiculously actually. I pulled muscle(s) in my neck and back so much that it hurt to move much. I got behind in my family life and so of course, in my writing efforts too. Oh well, only a couple of days lost, but gratitude for my normal abilities was multiplied greatly.
I've been trying to figure out where to go with my New King story. The character who becomes king in the end, is he very young? Married? Children? Taking care of his parents?

The king's assistant has also been at the forefront of my mind. I think he will play a vital roll in the unfolding of events. I don't think he will be intentionally evil, but maybe he'll be jealous...or...

That's some of what I've been thinking about as my muscles are recovering. I'll keep you updated!

Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!

I received a reply for my manuscript I sent to Babybug Magazine. If you remember, this was from my first submission ever (besides a poetry contest as a child). The reply didn't start with "We regret to inform you, but that phrase was what my eyes skimmed to first. It was a very polite letter; thanking my for my interest, and they hope that I will be "successful in placing it elsewhere." Me too.

It's a bitter-sweet moment. Of course, I'm dissapointed I won't be published in a magazine yet. However, I'm proud that I had the ambition to send my manuscript in, and a publisher (or someone who possibly works in the same building) held my paper! My feeling legitimacy just skyrocketed!

Wow, ambition. That's a word I previously wouldn't have connected to my name. I like it! Orendia is ambitious!

Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!

I had a great story idea come to me. It's about a King choosing his predecessor. Obviously there's more to it, but that is all I'm reavealing now! I'm really excited about where this story could take me.

I need to consider: What age group would be appropriate for the storyline I'm hoping to create? Will it be a picture book? A chapter book? I just don't know yet. If it's a chapter book, maybe I'd do some line drawings for it. Hmmm. I need to do some brainstorming, then sleep on it...

Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!

I've been working on my Toilet Monster story, and you'd be pleased! It's coming along quite well. I've taken out a lot of fluff, and I've changed some of the dialogue to sound more like children instead of me. It's more difficult than you might think to find the voice of someone else. I think particularly when that person is under the age of 10.
SUPER-exciting news! My dear sister has done an illustration for me, and I'll be able to use it on my blog for my Toilet Monster story!! I'll put it up with (I think what will be) my final draft. I'll also put a link to her blog so you can see the amazing art she does. For the publishers reading my blog: we've agreed we don't have to work together...but it would be really cool on some projects. Just think of the marketing perks! Sister-team author&illustrator + our dreamy books = warm fuzzies = good sales.

Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!

Remeber my magazine submission? September is the 6th month from when I sent it in, and they reply to submissions within 6 months. It'd be neato to have my little ditty published, don't you think? Well, I'll keep you posted!

Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!

I've been masticating (verb, to reduce to a pulp by crushing or kneading) my writing ideas and hopes, yet my actions have not measured up to the efforts of my thoughts. Translation: family life has rightfully taken over for the past while, and I have not been dedicating my time to writing at all! I need to go back to the at least 10 minutes a day routine.
I have 2 stories now developing. The Toilet Monster is nearing a publisher ready stage. I need to change some things around a bit. The middle is all dialogue and the end is lacking dialoge almost completely. Wierd. Anyway, I'll fix that. One thought, possibly inconsequential, should it be called The Toilet Monster? The Monster in the Toilet? The Toilet Monster Mystery? No. Sam's Run in With the Throne Monster...Sam's Monster in the John. Heh. Hmmm. No, what do you think?

I'm excited about the next story I'm going to work on. I'll be doing a bit of research on animals of varying regions. Little boys and girls need to have more adventure than what farm and jungle animals can provide!

Exciting news for you, my fabulous sister has offered to do some illustrations for my blog!! Hooray for something awesome to look at in addition to all these beautiful words. :) Oh yes, that was a smiley face.

Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!

About Me

Watch out children's literary world, here I come! I blog about lessons I learn while I write children's picture books and young adult novels. I've been doing a bit here and there for years when priorities allowed. I've recently been able to make larger time commitments, and I have a finished picture book that I'm preparing to attempt the publishing relm. My brain and journal hold so many more stories that are waiting to be hatched. I'll document tips, lessons and processes from conception through publishing (let's think positively, here), all on my blog for all to enjoy. What a beautiful adventure it is!

Latest Picture Books I've Enjoyed

Traction Man meets Turbo Dog - 2008 Mini Grey - This book grew more and more endearing. Told from the toy's point of view it's a fun adventure in a big world. Imaginative, and the super-hero saves the day!

Tennis Anyone? - 2007 Shane McG, A little boy named Tom gets a tennis racket among his birthday presents and doesn't know what to do with it. It's fun to see his little journey to find joy in sports instead of beeping things. Illustration is awesome. I almost want to call in animation!

Latest Chapter Books I've Enjoyed

Echoes in the Glass - Cheri Lasota, Why stop with one Lasota story? Her second novel did not disappoint! Great story line and character voices. unexpected moments. A great read.

Artemis Rising - Cheri Lasota, Intriguing story and well written, a good read!

Fablehaven Keys to the Demon Prison - Brandon Mull 2010. This book has been amazing. It is the fifth book in the Fablehaven series. Each one has a breathtaking pace, particularly this last installment. I feel like the whole book is the climax! Well paced, engaging story and characters. Another that I didn't want to put down!

The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay - 2008, 2009, 2010 respectively, Suzanne Collins, Couldn't put them down, but don't expect lots of warm fuzzies! Children put in a locked area to kill everyone else is how it begins. How to save their people from a government that would do such a thing is the rest, oh but there's so much more!

Goose Girl - Shannon Hale, Another great book by Shannon Hale. Beautifully written to suck you into their world. A super fun and clean read.

Princess Academy - 2005 Shannon Hale, So well written. I love the characters. Young girls who have to learn to trust each other, be stronger than they thought they were, and become proud of their mountain roots.

The Giver, Gathering Blue, and The Messenger - 1993, 2000, 2004 respectively, Lois Lowry, Fabulous thoughtful trilogy. The Giver won the 1994 Newbery Medal. The books challenge everyday life of their characters and have you question society and how it should operate, while building compassion for each character. The storylines are captivating and thoughtful, spiced with tension.